The New York Renaissance Faire

New York Renaissance Faire

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The New York Renaissance Faire is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day, August 27 – October 9, 2022, at 600 Rt. 17A, Tuxedo, NY • Ph: 845.351.517. The fair is open, rain or shine, except for severe thunderstorms. Check their website for ticket prices and coupons.

Direct bus transportation is provided by Shortline from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to the faire. It offers either a round-trip bus-only ticket to the faire or a day-trip package with round-trip bus tickets, fair admission, and a program. Contact Shortline for more details: shortlinebus.com or 800-631-8405.

The New York Renaissance Faire is celebrating its 45th season. This permanent structure sits on 65 acres and has been transformed into an Elizabethan village celebrating life in the 16th century, with twenty stages and over 100 shops. 

The Good and Bad Reviews

With any event that I plan to visit, I go to Google and look at the reviews. There were many helpful reviews, but the latest reviews were all bad. I got a little apprehensive about purchasing my tickets, but I had to experience the fair and see if the reviews were as bad as they said.

Many said the prices went up. Yes, everything goes up each year. Some complained about the crowds and parking. Some complained about the food. When attending any fair, if the weather is perfect, people will be out. I always suggest visiting events when they first open up or two hours before closing time.

The Renaissance Fair opens its parking lot at 7:30 am. This is when you can head out early, grab breakfast and be there when the gates first open at 10 am. If you are on a budget, bring a cooler and pack a lunch. As a mother, bringing her family, I do know it can become expensive when trying to feed the family.

Outside food is prohibited, but you can leave and go to your car for lunch, make sure your hand is stamped for reentry. Or, have small snacks at the fair and head to dinner after. I would suggest going online and seeing the map and shops you want to visit and setting a budget for yourself.

Stepping back into the Medieval Times

I walked back into medieval times, so it was only right for me to dress the part and get a costume. I couldn’t decide what I wanted to wear. Fairy, gypsy, and wench were some options.  I chose to be a queen. I went to amazon and purchased some beautiful costume jewelry, my Guinevere costume, and to top it off a royal crown. If you don’t want to buy a costume, you may rent one at the faire.

 

 

Things to Do at the Renaissance Faire

We drove about an hour from New Jersey, and once we arrived, there was a little traffic, but we moved quickly through. We paid for premiere parking, so all we had to do was walk across the street. There is free parking further away, and free shuttle buses are available.

I would like to say about 90 percent of the visitors, were in costume, I even laughed to myself when I saw the families in complete costume. I sat and wondered if my husband would have gone through and worn a costume. We checked in and didn’t know where to start.

 

Get a map and see what things to do at the Renaissance faire. It’s 65 acres and can feel overwhelming. We spent over 3 hours there and didn’t see everything. We were tired. I suggest wearing or bringing comfortable shoes.

 

You will see costumed performers walking the faire. I even sat beside one performer, who stayed in character the whole time. There are jousting tournaments, live music, magicians, and manually powered rides. I even tried axe throwing, which I was not good at. But it was fun trying. The faire has something for everyone.

We sat for a few shows and tipped the performers at the end. It’s not required, but I enjoyed the shows and thought they deserved it.

Tips for Visiting the New York Renaissance Faire

• The Renaissance Faire hosts themed weekends and special events
• There are free shuttle buses to take visitors back and forth.
• Some shows are not appropriate for kids. All of these are indicated on the schedule or online.
• There is a $20 parking closer to the fair. Parking opens at 7:30 am.
• The grounds are very stroller and wheelchair friendly.
• Pets are not allowed, though service animals are welcome.
• You can get a stamp if you leave the park and intend to return later the same day.
• Outside food is not allowed.

 

I say visit the New York Renaissance Faire; you will have a good time. You will see amazing performers doing knife tricks, fire, dancing, and joists, hear some beautiful music, get your palm read by one of the physicists, and see how glass is blown. You can even buy baby dragons or baby lizards from one of the shops. There is so much to do and see!

Be a part of the Pub Crawl. The Pub Crawl departs at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. – three times daily and costs $65 to party with us.

Comment on this article and let me know your experience with the New York Renaissance Faire. I have a list of Fall Festivals to visit, hiking trails to explore to see amazing Fall Foliage, and, if the weather is not great, some cool places to visit indoors.